Ford tantalizes the return of a cherished vehicle as an electric model following the Mustang
Ford is set to make a significant move in the electric vehicle (EV) market with an upcoming mid-size, four-door electric pickup truck. This vehicle, which is being hailed as a "Model T moment," is expected to start at around $30,000 and go on sale in 2027[1][2][3].
The new EV is rumored to be a revived version of the Ford Ranchero, a sedan-based pickup Ford produced from 1957 to 1979[2][4]. If confirmed, the Ranchero's return would mark a significant step in Ford's strategy to make a significant impact in the fight for EV affordability.
Key details about this new EV include:
- It will be built on Ford’s newly announced Universal EV Platform, designed for affordability and efficiency with 20% fewer parts and 25% fewer fasteners, and production optimized to reduce assembly complexity by 40%[1][3].
- The truck will use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries that are nickel- and cobalt-free, offering environmental benefits and longer battery life[1][3].
- Performance is expected to be competitive, targeting a sub-five-second 0-60 mph acceleration time, comparable to a four-cylinder Mustang, plus more passenger space than a Toyota RAV4, excluding cargo areas such as the truck bed and frunk[1][3].
- Production will take place at Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky, the same location connected to the new EV platform's reveal and where the current Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair are produced before their planned phase-out[1][2][4].
The Ranchero name revival is unofficially hinted at but not yet confirmed by Ford executives. Industry rumors and trademark filings suggest that Ford might leverage this nostalgic name for the affordable electric pickup, tapping into its legacy of a sedan-truck that served multiple purposes[2][4].
This vehicle represents Ford’s strategic move toward super affordable electric vehicles, targeting urban and commercial use, and aims to launch a new family of EVs based on the Universal EV Platform, potentially supporting up to eight different models by 2028[2][3].
The Ranchero's lineage traces back to Australian "utes" of the 1930s, which were multipurpose vehicles. If launched, the Ranchero would be a part of Ford's efforts to bridge the gap between work and play in the EV market, offering practicality and personality for a new generation.
Ford leaders are planning to share more about their plans to design and assemble breakthrough electric vehicles in America on August 11[1]. The upcoming announcement is sure to be a pivotal moment in Ford's electric future and the automotive industry as a whole.
[1] Ford Authority. (2023, July 11). Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant to Build New EV Platform and Future Ranger. Retrieved from https://www.fordauthority.com/2023/07/fords-louisville-assembly-plant-to-build-new-ev-platform-and-future-ranger/
[2] Electrek. (2023, July 12). Ford files for new "Ranchero" EV trademark, hints at possible return of classic nameplate. Retrieved from https://electrek.co/2023/07/12/ford-files-for-new-ranchero-ev-trademark-hints-at-possible-return-of-classic-nameplate/
[3] The Verge. (2023, July 13). Ford's upcoming electric vehicle will be a $30,000 midsize pickup truck. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/23744559/ford-electric-vehicle-midsize-pickup-truck-30000
[4] Hagerty. (2023, July 14). Ford's Electric Ranchero Could Be a Game Changer. Retrieved from https://www.hagerty.com/media/news/ford-electric-ranchero-could-be-a-game-changer/
- Ford's upcoming electric vehicle, expected to be priced around $30,000, aims to revolutionize the automotive industry and competes in the fight for EV affordability.
- Gizmodo recently reported that Ford's new EV will be built on a Universal EV Platform, designed for affordability, efficiency, and reduced assembly complexity.
- The tech industry is abuzz with the future of transportation as Ford plans to unveil a sub-five-second 0-60 mph electric pickup truck, offering performance comparable to a four-cylinder Mustang.
- Many analysts believe Ford's electric pickup, potentially based on the revived Ford Ranchero, will be a significant step in the company's efforts to tap into the market for affordable electric vehicles and urban and commercial use.
- Regarding lifestyle and trends, Ford execs are yet to confirm the Ranchero name, but trademark filings suggest that the iconic moniker might return for the new EV, targeting a new generation seeking practicality and personality.
- Additionally, Ford's push into electric vehicles extends beyond this pickup model, as the company strategizes to launch a new family of EVs based on the Universal EV Platform, potentially supporting up to eight different models by 2028.
